City Guide: Istanbul

A city with tons of history and cultural influences, Istanbul is definitely a city to add to your upcoming travel destinations. As a member of the AH Travel Club, my exploration of Istanbul was immersive and captivated in authentic local experiences. They designed, managed and curated some of the finer things in my trip, leaving me with some incomparable memories. Ranging from a ton of activities, like sightseeing to cooking classes, Istanbul is easily a city for everybody.

the film

TO SEE

Bosphorus

A strait separating the Asian and European sides of Istanbul, the Bosphorus is know for it's panoramic views of Istanbul as well as the yummy seafood restaurants all across the water.

Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul 34122, Turkey

Dolmabahce Palace

A few steps away from the Shangri-La and the Bosphorus, this palace will dazzle you with it's beautiful interiors. The home of the last ruling Ottoman family, this might have been my favorite landmark we had visited.

Vişnezade Mahallesi, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia

One of the most well-known landmarks in Istanbul, this cathedral turned mosque, turned museum, is a beautiful structure filled with quite rich history. To truly understand Turkish culture, you must visit this historical gem.

Dem Moda

We love tea, and obviously since we were in Istanbul, we knew we were going to love this place. With countless tea options, Dem is a hip cafe located in quite the popular neighborhood, making it an opportunity to enjoy teas and taking a stroll on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Caferağa Mah. Sair Nefi Sok. No:9/a, Moda, Kadıköy

Nusr-Et Steakhouse Etiler

An upscale steakhouse, Nur-Et is a renowned restaurant with a drool-worthy reputation world-wide. The ribs and the baklava here are incredible.

Etiler Mahallesi, Nispetiye Cd No:87, 34337 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey

FaikPasha Cafe

Tucked off of a narrow street off of Istiklal, Faikpasha Cafe is an amazing vintage restaurant serving delicious breakfast bites. A true taste of Turkish cuisine, this place is a must.

Kuloğlu Mh., Çukurcuma cad 51/A, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

TO DO

COOK WITH COOKISTAN

A lovely cooking experience, Cookistan was the perfect place to explore the history and flavors of Turkish Cuisine.

Haggle at The Grand Bazaar

A great shopping market for everything, from spices to ceramics, the Grand Bazaar is the perfect place to pick up knacks for the home or gift for friends and family.

Beyazıt Mh., 34126 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey

Refresh at the hamam

Need a quick refresh? Step into one of the oldest hamams, Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami, and enjoy a relaxing body scrub. I really don't do spa treatments since I'm always running around, but if there's any where to do it...it's here.

GET LOST IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Indulge in a hammam spa treatment. I will admit, I was a little hesitant to get cleaned by someone else, but this had to be my favorite part of the trip. I felt feeling relaxed and so refreshed! I really don't do spa treatments since I'm always running around, but if there's any where to do it...it's here.